Tanzania's president announces probe into post-election protest deaths

"Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan says her government will launch an inquiry into the deadly unrest that erupted following her controversial re-election last month, as claims of an undemocratic vote process prompted mass protests. Speaking during the opening session of Tanzania's new parliament on Friday, Hassan said she was deeply saddened by the incident and offered condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the crackdown."

"The government has taken the step of forming an inquiry commission to investigate what happened, she added. Her comments mark the first conciliatory message since Tanzanian authorities violently cracked down on widespread demonstrations following the country's October 29 presidential election. Hassan was declared the winner of the vote with nearly 98 percent support, after her leading rivals were barred from participating, fuelling anger and frustration among many Tanzanians who said the contest was unfair."

"While the exact death toll is unclear, Tanzania's main opposition party has said hundreds of people were killed as the government sent troops into the streets to disperse the protests. Authorities also imposed an internet blackout on the East African nation. Rights groups have called for an independent and thorough investigation into what happened, with Amnesty International saying the authorities committed grave human rights violations that include unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, unlawful detentions."

Tanzania's president announced the formation of an inquiry commission to investigate deadly unrest after a contested re-election that sparked mass protests. The president expressed sadness and offered condolences to families of those killed during the crackdown. Authorities have been accused of violently dispersing demonstrations after an election in which the incumbent won nearly 98 percent support while leading rivals were barred. Reports include claims of hundreds killed, an internet blackout, and calls from rights groups for an independent investigation. Amnesty International accused authorities of grave human rights violations, and the United Nations human rights chief also urged the Tanzanian government.

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